What Is the Largest Ski Resort in North America?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, North America is a great destination for hitting the slopes. The continent is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, with varying terrains and conditions to suit all levels of expertise.

But which one is the largest? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question.

What Does “Largest” Mean?

Before we delve into the specifics of which ski resort holds the title of being the largest in North America, it’s important to define what we mean by “largest.” There are several ways to measure this:

  • Total acreage: This includes all skiable terrain within a resort’s boundaries, including groomed runs and off-piste areas.
  • Total vertical drop: This refers to the difference in elevation between a resort’s highest and lowest points.
  • Number of lifts: This includes all types of lifts, such as chairlifts, gondolas, and surface lifts.

The Largest Ski Resort By Total Acreage

By total acreage, the largest ski resort in North America is Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada. The resort covers a whopping 8,171 acres (33.08 square kilometers) of skiable terrain across two connected mountains – Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. With over 200 marked runs and 37 lifts, Whistler Blackcomb offers something for everyone – from beginners to experts.

The Largest Ski Resort By Total Vertical Drop

When it comes to total vertical drop – that’s where Big Sky Resort in Montana takes the crown. The resort boasts a total vertical drop of 4,350 feet (1,326 meters), making it not just the largest vertically but also among some of the steepest slopes in North America. With over 5,800 acres (23.5 square kilometers) of skiable terrain and 36 lifts, Big Sky offers a great variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

The Largest Ski Resort By Number Of Lifts

If we look at the number of lifts, then Park City Mountain Resort in Utah is the largest ski resort in North America with an impressive 41 lifts. The resort has over 7,300 acres (29.5 square kilometers) of skiable terrain and is known for its extensive network of high-speed chairlifts that can get you to the top quickly.

Conclusion

So there you have it – three different ways to measure which ski resort is the largest in North America. Whether you’re looking for acreage, vertical drop or the number of lifts, you’ll find plenty to choose from across the continent. So grab your skis or snowboard and hit some of these fantastic slopes!